Ripple Effect: Ruby Valutis
Influential leaders inspire people to create something that will leave a lasting impression.
Mother Theresa knew that she could not change the world alone, “but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
Butler University student, Ruby Valutis, is creating many ripples through her leadership and continuous learning by embracing her Butler community.
Valutis, now a sophomore strategic communications and psychology double major from Buffalo, New York, began her freshman year as an exploratory studies major. The objective, then, was to find her fit in a new space that radiated a familiar community experience that she knew back at home.
“I didn’t know a single soul when I got here,” she said. So, Ruby developed relationships with the ladies living in her residence hall unit.
Once she established her unique set of friends, she decided to get involved on campus with them.
Ruby tried intramural volleyball with her friends in the fall, then joined The Butler Collegian, the campus student-run newspaper, in the spring. She did not know the impact she would soon make while on the staff of the newspaper.
Valutis joined as a staff reporter. After spring break, she was promoted to co-assistant culture editor.
“I joined The Butler Collegian, originally, because I was still searching for a major, and I thought about journalism,” she said.
The sophomore now serves as the culture editor for The Butler Collegian.
Even though Ruby does not like the practice of journalism, she said she loves being culture editor because she has the chance to experience the special events that happen on campus. She may not have time to go to them all, but the editor recognizes the moment for her reporters to improve the effectiveness of their storytelling.
“I am definitely learning a lot more on how to lead people effectively,” she said. She realizes that certain people do not want to be lead, and she is learning to adapt to different personalities.
Ruby has found a leadership position that inspires people to create a special and lasting impression on Butler’s community.
Even when mistakes are made, she realizes the significance of her reporters. They are shaping the perception of Butler University.
From exploring her surroundings to establishing fundamental leadership skills, Ruby’s impact will continue to spread throughout the Butler community.
